Mets manager Terry Collins said on WFAN on Tuesday that he wants Bobby Parnell to be the team's closer.Collins admitted that he hasn't even spoken to Parnell about the situation, but that's the way he plans to go now that Frank Francisco has been shut down due to elbow inflammation. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Collins is looking at Parnell as a contingency plan, so it's possible that Francisco will get the role back if he makes progress. Parnell has struggled in sporadic save opportunities in the past, but he has a 2.98 ERA, 8.7 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 over the past three seasons. He could emerge as a nice late-round sleeper in mixed fantasy leagues.

Frank Francisco is currently shut down due to inflammation in his right elbow.Francisco had surgery in December to remove a bone spur from his right elbow and isn't back to 100 percent. In fact, when asked Tuesday how close he was to 100 percent, Francisco playfully responded with "zero," since he's not currently throwing. This situation should be monitored carefully this spring, as either Bobby Parnell or Brandon Lyon could emerge as an alternative in the closer role.

Parnell could fill in.

Mets manager Terry Collins said on WFAN on Tuesday that he wants Bobby Parnell to be the team's closer.Collins admitted that he hasn't even spoken to Parnell about the situation, but that's the way he plans to go now that Frank Francisco has been shut down due to elbow inflammation. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Collins is looking at Parnell as a contingency plan, so it's possible that Francisco will get the role back if he makes progress. Parnell has struggled in sporadic save opportunities in the past, but he has a 2.98 ERA, 8.7 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 over the past three seasons. He could emerge as a nice late-round sleeper in mixed fantasy leagues.

Mets manager Terry Collins said on WFAN on Tuesday that he wants Bobby Parnell to be the team's closer.Collins admitted that he hasn't even spoken to Parnell about the situation, but that's the way he plans to go now that Frank Francisco has been shut down due to elbow inflammation. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Collins is looking at Parnell as a contingency plan, so it's possible that Francisco will get the role back if he makes progress. Parnell has struggled in sporadic save opportunities in the past, but he has a 2.98 ERA, 8.7 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 over the past three seasons. He could emerge as a nice late-round sleeper in mixed fantasy leagues.

Does this change you predictions?

Well, I think we have some time before situations clear up which is a danger of posting this now. Francisco had a elbow surgery, Dec. 18th, to remove some bone spurs. So, I don't think it is out of whack that he might still be sore some due that procedure. I personally do not think Francisco, Parnell, and certainly not Lyon will provide All-Star caliber stats. I think Parnell is probably the most talented of the three but as we all know the best pitcher doesn't always close. Now, if Familia gets a shot...they might have something.